THE CLASS of Geelong has prevailed in a fiercely contested match at Skilled Stadium on Saturday, beating an undermanned Brisbane Lions 15.15 (105) to 11.12 (78).
It seemed the big news from the contest would be delivered before the first bounce, with confirmation that Brisbane's Simon Black (groin) and Jonathan Brown (quad) would join Geelong's Gary Ablett (calf) as late withdrawals.
But a tense and, at times, rugged encounter made sure the day's main story would centre around the on-field action.
Both teams enjoyed periods of dominance in the game but it was Geelong who overcame a lacklustre start to run out 27-point winners.
The Cat's lead at the final change was just five points and when Lion Mitch Clark (three goals) kicked truly from a set shot in the fourth minute of the final quarter, scores were level.
Goals to Steve Johnson (two goals) and Paul Chapman (20 disposals, one goal) gave the Cats a buffer which should have been reduced when Anthony Corrie ran into an open goal, but the wingman missed and surrended the momentum to the premiers.
Brisbane were again guilty of poor finishing in front of goal and should have put Geelong under more scoreboard pressure, particularly in the early stages of the game when the momentum was all Brisbane's.
Joel Selwood, as he did last week, stood up for the Cats when the match was there to be won in the last quarter.
The improving young gun ended the match with 31 disposals and was again one of his team's best on a day when other stars failed to shine.
Jed Adcock (20 possessions) and Jared Brennan (23) were among the Lions best, and Clark's marking ability was a real positive in the absence of the injured Brown.
Luke Power contributed two goals and, while he was restricted to just 16 touches by Cameron Ling, did the job of pulling the star Cat out of a midfield that was already missing Ablett.
The ploy worked early as Brisbane's greater tenacity and endeavour resulted in an 11-point lead at the first change.
The Lions were making all the running, but their pressure and willingness to go after the contested ball was not reflected on the scoreboard.
When the inevitable surge came from the Cats part way through the second quarter, Brisbane's lead was 17 points but should have been at least three goals more.
Geelong's early frustrations were reflected in Matthew Stokes report for striking, and though the forward pocket sparked his team with successive goals in the third quarter, coach Mark Thompson is sure to be displeased at the show of ill-discipline.
It now remains to be seen if any of Ablett, Black or Brown participate in the Hall of Fame Tribute match next Saturday night, but the Victorian coach at least will head into that match with a sense of relief.
Thompson will be pleased that his team have found a way to win in the last three weeks, but will know that last year's champions are well below their sensational best.
DETAILS
Geelong 4.1 7.6 11.8 15.15 (105)
Brisbane Lions 5.6 6.8 10.9 11.12 (78)
GOALS
Geelong: Bartel 2 Gamble 2 Stokes 2 Johnson 2 Corey Rooke Hawkins Mooney Mackie Chapman Milburn
Brisbane Lions: Clark 3 Power 2 Corrie Bradshaw Rischitelli Harding Patfull Hooper
BEST
Geelong: Kelly, Corey, Scarlett, Mackie, Wojcinski, Bartel
Brisbane Lions: Macdonald, Notting, Patfull, Brennan, Adcock, Clark
INJURIES
Geelong: Bartel (cut head), Ablett (calf) replaced in selected side by Rooke.
Brisbane Lions: Brown (quad) replaced in selected side by Henderson. Black (groin) replaced in selected side by Harding.
Reports: Stokes (Geel) reported by umpire Vozzo for striking Rischitelli (Bris) in the first quarter
Umpires: Vozzo, Kamolins, Meredith
Official crowd: 23,388 at Skilled Stadium
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
